"We Got By" is a song by Al Jarreau that tells the story of a person who grew up in hardship and faced many challenges, but managed to overcome them and find happiness and fulfillment in life. The lyrics describe a childhood marked by a lack of material wealth. The person didn't have enough to eat, never had a new bicycle, and had to rely on hand-me-down books and shoes. The line "They brought the yule tides in July" implies that they had to make the best of what they had, even if it seemed out of place or unconventional. Despite these difficulties, the person found joy in simple pleasures. They would ride buses and trains, sometimes walking long distances just to go to a movie theater. The line "Singing a song 'Shoobedoo, While birds and rich folks flew right on by" suggests that while others may have had more luxurious lives, they found solace in their own experiences. The chorus, "But we got by, Lord knows we got by," captures the resilient spirit of the person and their ability to overcome challenges. They may not have had much, but they were able to survive and make the best of their situation. As the song progresses, it shifts to a more optimistic tone. The person reflects on how their circumstances have changed. They mention "Winter wishes wait till June," indicating that they had to wait a long time for their dreams to come true. However, they were able to create their own happiness by having fun and enjoying life, even with limited resources. The line "And mama's got LA gleaming in her eye" suggests that the person's mother has aspirations and dreams of a better life, possibly a move to Los Angeles. The phrase "LA gleaming" symbolizes the hope and ambition that drive them forward. The song concludes by emphasizing the resilience and determination of the person. They have worked hard, prayed, and persevered from one June to the next. Despite all the challenges and hardships, they have managed to build a good life for themselves and their family. The final line "And we got by, Lord knows we got by" reaffirms their ability to overcome adversity and find happiness, love, and success. Overall, "We Got By" is a tribute to the human spirit and the power of perseverance. It acknowledges the difficulties and struggles faced in life but emphasizes the importance of resilience and finding joy in even the smallest things.
